Dundgobi, Middle Gobi province, Mongolia
I can hike these rocks all day!
That thought crossed my mind when Baga Gazriin Chuluu ‘pile of rocks’ came into view.
Arranged in a unique formation, Mother Nature has stacked together flat layers of granite rocks to form towers, ridges and columns, wind-polishing the granite canyon rock faces into interesting shapes including some ‘melted marshmallows’ as described by other travellers.
With zero expectations, I totally enjoyed my exploration on foot, wandering randomly, climbing up and down the rocky maze, easily. Decorative cairns atop the many peaks of the stone massif point skywards, in tribute to Nature’s handiwork.
Baga Gazriin Chuluu covers a 15km x 10km area with a narrow canyon surrounded by plains.
Nearby, the ruins of the 17th Century Choir Monastery is also well worth a visit. Totally enclosed by granite mountains, very little of the temple structure remains, beside the abundance of birch trees in pretty autumn colours of yellow.
From the ruins, head up the stone cliff for a stunning view of the surrounding area. Again, I could have hiked here the whole day, enjoying the amazing scenery.
Located in the centre of Dundgobi, Middle Gobi province, the 1st half of the 230km journey from UB is on paved road. After lunch, it’s off-road, following track marks on the steppe.
AMAZING day of SPECTACULAR ‘firsts’
• 1st attraction in the heart of the steppe
• 1st of 10-day road trip of Central Mongolia
• 1st ride in a Russian Van ‘loaf of bread’
• 1st journey on the Mongolian Steppe
• 1st road encounter with grazing goat, sheep, gazelles and Bactrian camels
• 1st night in a GER
Visited 11 September 2018
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